Perodua Ativa Review

The B-segment SUV market has always been a popular choice among local family users, as it balances the economic efficiency of daily commuting with the practicality needed for short trips during weekends. The 2023 Perodua Ativa 1.0L Turbo X, as the entry-level version of the series, is priced at RM 62,500 while coming standard with advanced features like 6 airbags and active safety systems. This has sparked curiosity among budget-conscious consumers: can it strike a balance between cost performance and practical experience? The focus of our test drive this time is to verify whether this entry-level model truly embodies "entry-level but not low-end" and whether it can meet the daily needs of most families.

Approaching the car, the exterior of the 2023 Ativa Turbo X retains the youthful design that characterizes the series. The large-mouth front grille paired with sharp LED headlight clusters creates a visually dynamic impression, while the combination of automatic headlights and daytime running lights enhances everyday usability. The side profile of the car features clean and smooth lines, and although the 205/65 R16 tire specification is a size smaller than the 17-inch wheels on higher trims, it works well with the 200mm minimum ground clearance to handle common speed bumps or slightly rough roads locally. The rear design is fairly conventional; the illuminated LED taillights provide good recognition, and the standard rear fog light meets safety requirements. Overall, the design avoids excessive flashy elements and leans toward a practical and timeless aesthetic.

Opening the door, the interior layout is primarily simple. The dashboard uses a significant amount of hard plastic material, but the assembly quality is decent with no obvious sense of cheapness. The 9-inch touchscreen on the center console is the visual focal point, and its operation is fairly smooth. While lacking some features found on higher trims, its basic multimedia and Bluetooth connectivity are sufficient. The 7-inch TFT multifunction instrument panel offers clear displays of key information such as fuel consumption and vehicle speed, allowing drivers to easily monitor the vehicle's status. As for features, keyless entry, a multifunction steering wheel, and rain-sensing wipers are all standard. Notably, the manual air-conditioning system with digital controls and memory function allows adjustments without repeated switching, which is user-friendly for families frequently using the car.

Space performance is one of the key concerns for family users. The Ativa Turbo X has a wheelbase of 2525mm. The front seating space is adequate for passengers with a height of 175cm, with about a fist of headroom and legroom. The rear row can feel a bit cramped when seating three adults, but it comfortably accommodates two adults or children in daily use, with about two fingers of legroom and a fist of headroom. The trunk provides a standard capacity of 303L, which can fit two 20-inch suitcases. The rear seats can be split-folded in a 60:40 ratio to expand storage space, making it practical for transporting luggage or larger items. The interior storage compartments are also thoughtfully designed. The front door panels can fit two water bottles, the center armrest box and cupholders offer sufficient space, and the rear seats are equipped with a power outlet for passengers to charge electronic devices.

Starting the vehicle, the idle noise of the 1.0L turbocharged three-cylinder engine is not very noticeable. Under hard acceleration, some engine noise enters the cabin, but it remains within acceptable levels. This engine produces a maximum output of 72kW (98PS) and a peak torque of 140N·m, paired with a CVT transmission for smooth power delivery. During daily commutes, the car accelerates briskly from a standstill and performs well at low speeds. On urban roads, overtaking or changing lanes feels effortless as long as the engine speed exceeds 2400rpm; the torque is delivered promptly without any obvious lag. However, during highway driving, when the speed exceeds 100km/h, the power reserves start to feel insufficient for further acceleration, requiring early throttle input.

In terms of handling, the steering wheel offers moderate resistance and precise directionality, making it very easy to get the hang of during daily driving. The combination of front MacPherson independent suspension and rear double-link independent suspension does a decent job filtering road bumps. When passing speed bumps or uneven roads, the body doesn’t bounce excessively, ensuring comfort for rear passengers. Body roll control during cornering is also good, with a stable body posture that doesn’t feel loose. Fuel consumption meets expectations: the official combined fuel consumption is 5.3L/100km, and during our test drive (70% urban roads and 30% highways), the actual fuel consumption was about 5.8L/100km. With a 36L fuel tank capacity, the full-tank range is approximately 600km, eliminating the need for frequent refueling.

Safety features are a major highlight of the Ativa Turbo X. Despite being the base model, it is equipped with 6 airbags, vehicle stability control, lane departure warning, and autonomous emergency braking, which are all on par with higher trims. These features provide significant assistance during daily driving. For instance, the forward collision warning system gives timely alerts when the distance to the vehicle ahead becomes too close. In emergencies, the automatic braking system can intervene to reduce accident risks. However, do note that the parking brake is a manual type, so users accustomed to electronic parking brakes may need some time to adapt.

Overall, the core advantage of the 2023 Perodua Ativa 1.0L Turbo X lies in its "balance." It doesn’t excel in any single aspect, but it achieves the mainstream standard in space, features, fuel efficiency, and safety. Particularly in the RM 62,500 price range, offering standard 6 airbags and advanced safety systems makes for excellent value. Compared to similarly priced competitors, it has an obvious advantage in features. While its performance in power and space may not be the most outstanding, it fully meets the day-to-day needs of family users.

This car is most suitable for family users with a budget ranging between RM 60,000 and RM 70,000, who focus on practicality and safety. Whether it’s for daily school runs, commuting to work, or short weekend trips, it handles all scenarios effortlessly. If you don’t need the large wheels or rear air conditioning of the higher trims, the Ativa Turbo X is a very practical choice.

In summary, the 2023 Perodua Ativa 1.0L Turbo X is a "base but not basic" practical SUV. It offers a budget-friendly price while exceeding expectations in terms of features and user experience, making it a top choice for families in the market for a new car.